Stroke is a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The overall objective of this study is to analyze the risk factors for stroke in the hospital setting of Kinshasa. A descriptive interview survey was conducted among 105 patients hospitalized in Kinshasa who had developed stroke. The results show that the non-modifiable risk factors among the patients surveyed were advanced age (over 55 and 65 years for men and women, respectively), sex (predominantly male), and family history (hypertension and diabetes), whereas the modifiable risk factors were excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and regular consumption of vegetable oil. Intermediate risk factors included lack of physical activity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and abdominal obesity. The prevalence of stroke was ischemic and hypertension was the most important cardiovascular risk factor, followed by excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. The results obtained demonstrate the need for adequate management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients and prevention of recurrences.
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